April 25, 2013 (La  Mesa)—Three robbers, one armed with a handgun, held up the Los Piños Taco Shop at 5660 Lake Murray Boulevard in La Mesa last night at approximately 9:52 p.m. They remain at large despite a search by the Sheriff’s ASTREA helicopter and a canine unit.

All three are described as African-American men in their late teens or early 20s, wearing bandanas over their faces.  Each was approximately 5’10 and weighs around 165 pounds.  One wore eye glasses and another had a dark gray hooded sweatshirt. All wore dark clothing.

December 4, 2012 (San Diego’s East County) – “Uncle Sam made sure everyone knew (well - everyone at Lake Murray on my 6 mile walk) it was their civic duty to vote today,” Greg Dunne wrote in an e-mail to ECM on election day, adding that he received enthusiastic comments from walkers, dog walkers, bicyclists, joggers and others.  “Thanks to some great photography work from my walking buddy David,” he added. “Now it's off to vote,” said Dunne, who struck a “muscle pose” while modeling the costume made by his wife.

By Greg Dunne

November 15, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)--We have our share of rare bird sightings now and then in our East County. The three I am going to talk about are the Greater White-Fronted Goose, the Nutmeg Mannikin, and the Vermilion Flycatcher. The Vermilion Flycatcher and the Nutmeg Mannikin are going to be the hardest to spot by the novice birder, but with any experience watching birds you should be able to see these uncommon visitors.  The Greater White-Footed Goose on the other hand can easily be seen any time of day at Lindo Lake.

June 28, 2012 (La Mesa) -- Due to the continuing litigation by the Coastal Environmental Rights Foundation (CERF) and its lead attorney, Marco Gonzalez, the Lake Murray July 4th Music Fest and Fireworks Committee has regretfully decided to not hold the fireworks display over Lake Murray this year.

 
February 3, 2012 --  (San Diego’s East County)--East County Roundup highlights top stories of interest to East County and San Diego’s inland regions, published in other media.  This week’s top “Roundup” headlines include:   

• Does new County land use plan go too far? (San Diego U-T)
• State realignment floods county jails and probation departments (KPBS)
• Sheriff reduces jail time for inmates to avoid overcrowding (La Mesa Patch)
• City Council meeting Tuesday: With redevelopment gone, now what? (Santee Patch)
• Santee gets another ‘F’ in state of tobacco report(Santee Patch)
• Beating Briarcrest: How La Mesa attorneys saved city $10.5 million (La Mesa Patch)
• Student protester faces stiff sanctions (Daily Aztec)
• New playground coming to Lake Murray (San Diego U-T)
•  Helix community garden vote again delayed again by board, dismaying backers (La Mesa Patch)
• California Health Dept. cites smart meter health risks in report (La Mesa Patch blog by Susan Brinchman)
• Ramona Water District engineering consultant fees goes up 67% (Ramona Patch) 

• Controller: State to run out of cash in March with no action (Sacramento Bee)
• Caltrans sidesteps accountability (Sacramento Bee editorial)
• California lawmakers move to limit protests at funerals (Reuters)
• High court overturns CA slaughterhouse law (PBS)
• Los Angeles judge blocks state cuts to Medi-cal providers (Sacramento Bee)

November 18, 2011 (La Mesa) – A woman walking in the 5600 of Lake Park Way near Lake Murray called 911 yesterday at 5:34 p.m. to report that a man pushed her to the ground and forcibly took her backpack, which was dark blue and contained her phone and medications.

The suspect is described as black, 20-30 years old, 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing apprxoimately 160 pounds. He wore a dark beanie hat, navy blue sweatshirt and pants of unknown color.

By Greg Dunne

July 29, 2011 (Lake Murray) – Two men wearing black masks robbed the Chevron gas station at 8780 Lake Murray Boulevard at 11:19 p.m. last night.

 
June 28, 2011 (San Diego's East County) -- Communities across San Diego's inland regions will host a variety of events celebrating Independence Day on Monday, July 4th including festivals, parades, picnics, an ice cream social, Western-themed events, and of course, fireworks. 
 
 
Below are highlights of celebrations planned in numerous East County and inland San Diego areas:

By Nancy Clement, La Mesa writer and Lake Murray Aficionado

April 1, 2011 (La Mesa) - Barbara (Cleves) Anderson, the honorary Mayor of Lake Murray, just announced that she met with the San Diego City Council--and big changes will be happening at Lake Murray beginning June 1st. Water skiing will be allowed at the west side of the lake near the ball fields and second, there will a fee charged for being at the lake.

These recommendations were based on a feasibility study conducted by SCAMDAG.

October 24, 2010 (San Diego) – The Arco Gas Station at 8787 Lake Murray Boulevard was robbed at gunpoint last night at 5:23 p.m., San Diego Police report.

East County News Service

June 28, 2010 (Lake Murray) -- The Lake Murray Kiwanis Foundation needs to raise $8,000 more in donations and advertising sponsorships to hold the annual 4th of July event, which customarily features bands, fireworks, and family-friendly activities.

Story and photos by Kristin Kjaero

October 7, 2009 (Lake Murray)—In honor of this year’s 25th California Cleanup Day on September 19, Coastal Cleanup Day in San Diego County was bigger than ever. 10,032 volunteers in the county (up from 7,800 last year) covered 163 miles of coast and inland waterways to collect 101,933 pounds of trash and recyclables.

“Sustain La Mesa” Environmental Festival – Sept. 12
Coastal Cleanup Day at Lake Murray – Sept. 19

By Kristin Hobbs Kjaero

If young people are our future, then the environment will ultimately be in their hands. Two events in East County this month provide perfect opportunities for families to spend quality time together, and for community groups to show kids how they can make a difference.

July 4, 2009 (Lake Murray) – Thanks to last-minute donations from community members, Navajo Events announced today that ample funds have been raised to have tonight’s 4th of July fireworks show at Lake Murray, capping off an all-day Music Fest.
Music kicks off at noon for the event, which is free. Here’s the entertainment lineup:
 

12:00-1:00pm - Pullman Standard (A younger type Rock & Roll sound, they played at SpringFest)
 

1:30-2:30pm - Lanuza (Latin Jazz)
 

June 26, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)—If you’re looking for a hot time in East County this weekend, you’ll have plenty of events to choose from. Tonight, Santee Lakes has the first of its summer movie showings, starting with Madascar 2 – Escape to Africa. Or groove to the sounds of Theo and the Zydeco Patrol at El Cajon’s free Concerts on the Green. But that's just the start...